Aus tour was difficult, but enjoyable: Tiwary

Talented Bengal batsman Manoj Tiwary said that although he did not get a chance to play a single match during India's disastrous tri-series campaign in Australia, but he has grown as a cricketer by spending a good amount of time in the Indian dressing room.

"I know it was difficult there to sit out throughout the tournament. But as a professional cricketer, you cannot complain. I knew that I was mentally prepared whenever provided with an opportunity but the team combination was such that I did not get a chance," Tiwary told PTI from his Kolkata residence.

Manoj admitted that it will take him some time to get into the groove as he has not played a competitive match for quite a while now.

"I will play for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarter-finals and also the semi-finals, provide we progress to that stage. When I left for Australia I had scored four consecutive centuries, including my maiden ODI ton against the West Indies," Tiwary said.

"I was certainly very high on confidence but unfortunately I did not get a game. But certainly I am still not short on confidence. I will definitely like to make a mark for Bengal as it will help me to get into the groove for the upcoming Asia Cup," he said.

Manoj personally feels that a few one-on-one sessions with coach Duncan Fletcher were very helpful.

"I asked Duncan a few questions on certain technical aspects of my batting and he came up with really useful answers. I executed his tips during the practice sessions and it has proved to be immensely beneficial," he said.

"The coach was also very understanding and he told me that I have to wait for my turn as they are trying out different combinations. So I was not unduly worried as I know that I am going to get my chance sooner or later," he said.